Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
867. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if she will consider meeting with organisations (details supplied) to discuss the gaps in maternity care in Ireland, ahead of the publication of the new National Maternity Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra868. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to outline the work conducted by her Department to date on updating the National Maternity Strategy; to list the individuals and organisations she has met with as part of this updated strategy; and when it is expected to see the publication of the new National Maternity Strategy. [16652/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 867 and 868 together.
The continued improvement of our maternity services is a priority for this Government, as outlined across a number of Programme for Government commitments, including a commitment to develop a successor to the current National Maternity Strategy. The National Maternity Strategy - Creating a Better Future Together 2016 - 2026 is in its final year. Determining the future direction of maternity services will require a strong and comprehensive evidence base. A review of the implementation of the current National Maternity Strategy will provide an important starting point. At the start of 2026, 98% of the actions of the Strategy are either implemented or in progress. There is work ongoing on outstanding actions to be completed in the Strategy's final year. This is being supported by a review that is being undertaken by the HSE into the implementation of the Strategy’s actions, which is including engagement with staff across maternity services. A full assessment of the delivery of the Strategy will form a key part of the considerations for the successor to be delivered in 2027. Further work is being undertaken by the Department and the HSE to collate robust evidence base from which this successor will draw. This includes learnings from the recently published National Maternity Experience Survey 2025, where over 3,300 women participated, to ensure that women’s voices and experiences continue to be at the centre of maternity policy. An external and impartial evaluation of the delivery of the National Maternity Strategy will be undertaken this year. Further structured stakeholder consultation will then take place in preparation for the successor to ensure it reflects the voice and experiences of women, families, experts, and frontline staff. My Department will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the successor to the Strategy builds on the progress achieved to date and sets a clear and deliverable roadmap for the continued improvement of maternity services.
